Reading: Ezekiel 17-19
Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not My way equal? are not your ways unequal (Ezek. 18:25)?
The people of Judah endured much suffering during the final days of the Babylonian siege. In addition to the physical hardships, their pride took a devastating hit. Judah was once a powerful and respected nation, and Jerusalem was one of the most spectacular capitals ever built. The Israelites were accustomed to being bailed out by God and viewed His refusal to come to their rescue as a betrayal of their trust. They bitterly accused Him of being unjust in allowing them to be disgraced and defeated by Nebuchadnezzar. They viewed themselves as victims, never once considering that their stubborn refusal to turn from their sins had caused the removal of God’s blessings and protection. Nebuchadnezzar was not, as they believed, acting in defiance of God’s will but rather as His instrument of judgment.
They complained that God’s ways were not equal (not fair) in much the same way a three-year-old might protest having a toy taken away after throwing it at his sister, but God pointed out the folly of their protest in no uncertain terms. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die (Ezek. 18:26). They had done this to themselves; God was not ‘moving against them’ but instead allowing them to experience the realistic consequences of living outside of His will. It was not fair of them to willfully sin and still expect to receive the bounty of His blessings.
Yet even as he addressed their petulant attitude, God reminded them that the way back was open. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin (18:27-30). They had chosen to turn away from Him, but He had not given up on them. If they wanted a different outcome, they had the power to make a different choice.
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye (18:31-32). God is a loving father; He takes no pleasure in our suffering. It is His will and desire that we follow Him, and He provides us with all the tools and support we need to do so. God is so much more than fair—He is merciful.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not(Gal. 6:7-9).
Thought For TodayIt is God’s will to free his faithful from the world, not give them dominion over it.
Christ Revealed: As the One whose forgiveness provides life everlasting (Ezek. 18:20-22). God so loved (the people of) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Word Studies: 17:18 had given his hand = had pledged his word; 18:8 not given forth upon usury . . . taken any increase = loaned money at no interest; 18:25 not equal = unfair.
Pray For Staff: Judy McCrary • Government Officials: Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (NJ), Rep. Ann Kuster (NH) • Country: Benin (10,160,556) Western Africa • Major Languages: French, Fon, Yoruba, Tribal languages • Some hostility toward Christians • 27.1% Roman Catholic; 24.4% Muslim; 17.3% Vodoun; 10.4% Protestant; 5.3% Other Christian; 15.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for guiding you to sacrifice freely for what pleases Him (Ps. 54:6).
Optional Reading: Revelation 10